New OSHA Confined Space Standard for the Construction Industry

Construction Confined Space Standard – This standard has been in the works for several years. The standard was finally published as a final rule on May 4, 2015 with an effective date of August 3, 2015. Recently OSHA issued a stay of enforcement until October 2, 2015. During this period OSHA will not issue citations to employers making a good faith effort to comply with the new standard as long as the employer is in compliance with the training requirements for a competent person under Section 1926.21(b)(6)(i) or those found in Section 1926.1207. During this 60-day period employers not in compliance with either of these standards may be cited for a violation os Section 1926.1207(a). While this rule is being touted as very similar to the General Industry Confined Space Standard, it does contain some nuances that are unique to it and to the construction industry.